<p>CPR is a life-saving technique that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). Along with hands-on CPR training, this information can help save your baby's life.</p>

<h2>What is CPR?</h2>
<p>CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is an emergency procedure that involves chest compressions (pushing hard down on the chest) and rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). When given properly, CPR can help deliver oxygen to the brain and other organs until help arrives or until your baby recovers. Causes of cardiac arrest in babies are usually a result of a major injury or illness and rarely from underlying heart disease.</p>

<h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Take an official course to learn real, hands-on CPR. </li>
<li>CPR involves both chest compressions and rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). Give 30 compressions and two rescue breaths; repeat this cycle until help arrives or your child recovers.</li>
<li>If your baby is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping despite stimulation, start CPR right away and have someone else call 911 and get an AED.</li>
<li>Once your baby starts breathing, put them in the recovery position. This will keep their airway open.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Giving CPR to your baby</h2><p>Check to see if your baby is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping. You will need to begin CPR if your baby does not:</p><ul><li>breathe (or only gasps)</li><li>respond to your touch</li><li>move </li><li>wake up </li><li>become alert</li></ul><p>If you are not alone, have someone else call 911 and get an AED (automated external defibrillator) right away, if available, while you are doing CPR. </p><p>If you are alone and have a cell phone, start CPR while calling 911 from your cell phone on speaker. After two minutes of CPR (five cycles), go get an AED if available.</p><p>If you are alone and have no cell phone, start CPR for two minutes (five cycles) and then call 911 from a landline and get an AED if available.</p><ol class="akh-steps"><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_CPR_infant_chest_compressions_EN.jpg" alt="Positioning baby for CPR chest compressions" /> </figure>
<h2>Chest compressions: Push hard, push fast</h2><p>Begin CPR by laying your baby down on a firm, flat surface. Do not spend time trying to find a pulse. Place your two fingers on the breastbone, just below the nipple line. Give your baby 30 quick chest compressions (push fast), pressing hard enough so their chest moves approximately 4 cm (1.5 inches) down (push hard).</p><p>Count out loud. You should deliver about 100-120 compressions a minute. Wait for the chest to come all the way back to its initial position between compressions. This will get the blood flowing to your baby's brain and other vital organs. </p></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_CPR_infant_open_airway_EN.jpg" alt="Opening baby’s airways for rescue breaths" /> </figure>
<h2>Rescue breaths: Open the airway </h2><p>After the first 30 chest compressions, place the palm of your hand on your baby’s forehead. Place two fingers on the hard, bony tip of their chin and gently tilt their head back. This will open the airway.</p></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_CPR_infant_breathe_airway_EN.jpg" alt="Giving baby CPR rescue breaths" /> </figure>
<h2>Two rescue breaths</h2><p>Place your mouth over your baby's nose and mouth, forming a tight seal, and give two breaths. Each breath should be just enough to make your baby’s chest rise and should be no more than one second in length. If your baby’s chest does not rise, reposition their head, form a tighter seal, and try again.</p></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_CPR_infant_chest_compressions_EN.jpg" alt="Repeating CPR chest compressions on baby" /> </figure>
<h2>Repeat </h2><p>Give cycles of 30 chest compressions and two breaths during two minutes and repeat until the ambulance arrives or your baby starts breathing again. Two minutes usually allow for five cycles of 30 chest compressions and two breaths. A two-minute CPR cycle is usually tiring. If you are not alone, switch who is giving CPR every two minutes.</p></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_CPR_infant_recovery_position_EN.jpg" alt="Placing baby in recovery position" /> </figure>
<h2>Recovery position</h2><p>Once your baby has recovered and started breathing again on their own, your baby may vomit and find it difficult to breathe. Simply put your baby in the
<a href="/Article?contentid=1037&language=English">recovery position</a>: Their chin should point slightly away from the chest and their face should rest on the surface on which the baby is laying. Make sure nothing is blocking or covering your baby's mouth and nose. The recovery position will help keep your baby’s airway open.</p></li></ol>

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